Medium-Term Recurrence and Quality of Life Assessment Using the Hernia-Specific Carolinas Comfort Scale Following Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair

Abstract

Patient-reported medium-term symptoms following laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair appear common; however, the prevalence of severe or disabling symptoms is low.

Commentary on “Medium-Term Recurrence and Quality of Life Assessment Using the Hernia-Specific Carolinas Comfort Scale Following Laparoscopic Inguinal Hernia Repair”: Asking the Right Questions—Evaluating Outcomes in Hernia Repair

“…Jalil et al 1 have reported on the medium-term quality of life outcomes of patients undergoing inguinal hernia repair using a laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) approach and a validated, hernia-specific questionnaire. Although the reported prevalence of severe or disabling symptoms following TAPP inguinal hernia repair seems to be low, the numbers of patients reporting mild to moderate pain, movement limitations, and sensation of mesh are likely much higher than many of us care to admit.…”

“…Although recurrence will always be an important outcome measure for hernia repair, we are now becoming more in tune with the implications of hernia repair on our patient's quality of life. The work by Jalil et al 1 and others is a huge first step in evaluating important quality of life outcomes in our hernia patients so that we can quantify the problem and hopefully find ways to impact it in a positive way.…”